India has gained consular access to Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national detained in a Czech prison. Gupta stands accused by the United States of being part of a conspiracy to assassinate Khalistan terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, allegedly orchestrated by an Indian official.
Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, confirmed the consular access, stating, “An Indian national is currently in the custody of Czech authorities pending a request for extradition to the US. We have received consular access, at least I am aware of, on at least three occasions. We are extending necessary consular assistance to the individual as per requirement.”
The revelation comes amid strains in diplomatic ties between India and US over alleged assassination theory.
During the presser, speaking on the American officials making a statement about the impact of the alleged assassination plot on bilateral ties, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi acknowledged the seriousness of the inputs provided by the US side and highlighted the formation of a high-level inquiry committee to thoroughly investigate all relevant aspects of the matter. However, no further details about the committee, its progress, or findings have been disclosed.
“We take seriously the inputs that have been provided by the US side, and a high-level inquiry committee has been constituted to look into all relevant aspects of the matter. This factor has also been noted by these members of Congress, and I don’t have any further update on it. I certainly don’t have any update on the committee or its timelines or its findings as of right now,” he added.
Moreover, the issue has intensified scrutiny on the intricacies of India-US relations, with reports suggesting a warning issued by the US to India following the claimed thwarting of the assassination conspiracy.
It is pertinent to note that, in an indictment filed in a federal court in Manhattan, Nikhil Gupta along with top Indian government official has been accused by the US government of involvement in conspiring to kill US-based Khalistani Terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Gupta was arrested by Czech authorities on June 30, facing charges of murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire.
